The U17 Coast Thunder competed in a U17/U18 tournament at SFU last weekend.
The 16-team, two-day tournament started Saturday with round robin play. Led by captain and national junior team player Kyla Richey, the Thunder ended the day second in their pool and on their way to the quarterfinals.
Setters Trina Borely and Jen Brown set up Thunder's attack to powers Kelly Gibson and Kasandra McKenzie and middles Kyla, Angela Moore and Andreanna Mazereeuw.
Defensive specialist Racheal VanWersh was fearless as Libero and Hanna Anderson finished off the attack playing right side.
Their first match in tournament play found Thunder dominating the first set, only to lose the second. A third set saw Thunder rally to gain an entry into the top four semifinals.
Thunder faced off with Air Attack, a U18 team. After coming from behind and winning the first set 25-23, they lost their focus and the second set 25-18. The third set was close, but Air Attack's excellent defence prevailed 15-9.
A disappointed and tired Thunder gathered themselves for the bronze medal match. Facing Seaside, another U18 team and the only team to beat Thunder in round robin play, Thunder came back again. Tied at 23, Hanna put in two clutch serves and finished the set 25-23. Seaside rallied in the second and took advantage of some inconsistent team defence in a 25-17 score. The third set was a battle that had coaches, players and spectators holding their breath, as neither team would give up more than two points in a row. Finally, at 13-13, Thunder put together two solid points and won the set and match 15-13.
Coach Jan Richey said she was proud of the gains her team has made so far this season and especially how well they competed when behind in points. She noted they still have work to do on their defensive play.
Thunder finished the weekend the highest ranked U17 team in the tournament and will take this accomplishment and confidence with them into the provincial championships in April.
